If you read Bell’s book as doctrine you are missing the point Rob Bell is making. In short, Bell is taking on the evangelical establishment. And while Bell asserts ultimately that Love Wins, it remains to be seen if Rob Bell will.

In a play on the title of another of Bell’s books, Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, ridiculed Bell’s book as Velvet Hell. John Piper, evangelical pastor and author, tweeted “Farewell, Rob Bell,” signifying that Bell has fallen out of favor with the silver-haired evangelical leadership. Popular blogger Tim Challies accuses Bell of “exegetical gymnastics” and “the toxic subversion of Jesus’ gospel.” Bell is not being well-received by the evangelical establishment.

Bell Raises Questions

But what does Bell’s book actually say about heaven, hell, salvation, and of course, love? That’s a good question, and questioning is where Bell excels. In Bell’s first chapter alone he asks 90 questions. Bell uses questions skillfully to open the conversation about the way in traditional evangelicalism has portrayed the gospel. He poses questions like:

“Of all the billions of people who have ever lived, will only a select number ‘make it to a better place’ and every single other person suffer in torment and punishment forever?” – p. 1 (loc 88)

“Does God punish people for thousands of years with infinite, eternal torment for things they did in their few years of life?” – p. 2 (loc 94)

“And when people claim that one group is in, saved, accepted by God, forgiven, enlightened, redeemed — and everybody else isn’t — why is it that those who make this claim are almost always part of the group that’s “in”?” – p. 3 (loc 109)

There are 87 more questions just like that. Bell provokes thought, and he provokes it by questioning things evangelicals have not questioned publicly. Bell might as well have burned a copy of “The Four Spiritual Laws,” evangelicalism’s gospel-in-a-booklet.

A Postmodern Perspective on Narratives

Bell says “there are millions” who don’t buy the evangelical party line now. His book addresses that audience and their concerns. Here’s how he puts it:

“This love compels us to question some of the dominant stories that are being told as the Jesus story. A staggering number of people have been taught that a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better.” – Introduction, (loc 47)

Bell’s concern is with the “story” or narrative embraced by modern evangelicalism. Postmodernism has raised the issue of “narratives” or stories that dominate our culture. Many social scientists and philosophers believe that postmodern thinking no longer accepts at face value the “stories” that have shaped our social consciousness. Examples of these “meta-narratives” or “over-arching stories” include the stories of white European conquests — specifically that God was on the side of the white Europeans who settled the New World, and forcibly converted (or killed) native populations.

American evangelicalism created its own meta-narrative, its version of an over-arching story that gave rise to the modern missionary movement, the two Great Awakenings, revivalism, and the establishment of churches throughout the United States. It is this “story” that Rob Bell wants to replace with a new story.

Bell makes his case by appealing to history. He asserts that this conversation about what it means to follow Christ has been going on for centuries. He also notes that some significant church fathers — Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Eusebius — offered an alternative centuries ago to the modern evangelical narrative. Bell fails to mention that not all scholars agree that these were universalists, but Bell is not arguing for universalism despite the accusations of some of his critics.

Bell’s Theme is “Love Wins”

What exactly does Rob Bell say? Bell raises more questions than he answers directly. But that is the nature of this type of discussion because Bell acknowledges that ultimately we are all speculating about a subject on which we have no first-hand knowledge.

But Bell’s theme is consistent and compelling: love wins. God’s love, that is. Bell includes in the power of love the possibility of post-mortem, or after-death, encounters with God in which those who have died get a “second chance” to respond to God’s love, on either one or more occasions. Bell also suggests the possibility that persons who perpetually reject the love of God, spiraling further and further into the abyss of evil might lose the part of their humanity made in the image of God. Bell doesn’t extend this argument to the concept of “annihilation” but others who write about it do.

What Bell does do well is open the door for us to be humble in the face of questions that are difficult to answer. He contends God’s love holds out hope, is a seeking and finding love, but a love that also grants freedom to the beloved. We have a choice, in other words, and if we choose to reject God, we are choosing hell.

Bell sees familiar Bible stories with new eyes, inviting his readers to explore again the story of the prodigal son, the story of Lazarus and the rich man, some of Jesus’ parables, and the story of the cross. Bell clearly embraces these stories as Biblical and foundational to his understanding of God’s love.

Despite what his critics say, Bell doesn’t paint a picture of a “soft hell” lined with velvet. Rather, Bell contends that we must not confuse “the very essence of God, which is love, with the very real consequences of rejecting and resisting that love, which creates what we call hell.” – p. 177 (loc 2137).

Chapter Summaries

Bell organizes his argument into eight chapters. Chapter 1 raises lots of questions and sets up the remaining chapters as discussion points for Bell’s argument. Chapter 2 explores the idea of heaven, which Bell says begins here because life in the kingdom of God begins here, not just after death. Bell echoes N. T. Wright’s Surprised by Hope, and other current eschatological theologians including Jurgen Moltmann, that God is making all things new including a new heaven and a new earth.

Chapter 3 is simply titled “Hell” and Bell explores the Bible texts and unpacks the meanings of words like hades, gehenna, and sheol. If heaven begins here, Bell contends then hell does, too. Hell is embodied in our own inhumanity and violence. Many, Bell argues, live in their own hells, some of their own choosing, some in the hells created for them by others. Hell is the rejection of God’s love, the resistance to God’s seeking, the refusal to see God’s redemptive plan for creation.

Chapter 4 raises the question “Does God Get What God Wants?” which Bell believes is the salvation and the redemption of creation. Obviously, Calvinists will have a problem with this because of the doctrines of election, predestination, limited atonement, and so on. But Arminians (free-willers) may also have problems with Bell’s assertion that God wins because love wins, which seems to limit humanity’s free will. Bell is an equal opportunity offender because he is speaking in categories that the Calvinist/Arminian arguments do not have room for.

In Chapter 5 Bell explores the cross and resurrection. Here he asserts about the Gospel of John that “John is telling a huge story, one about God rescuing all of creation.” Crucifixion and resurrection are God’s way from death to life, to redemption, to atonement, to satisfaction, to all the metaphorical roles that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection play in the story of God’s redemptive love. Bell situates us, human beings, not at the center of the story, but within the story of God’s overarching redemption of everything. When John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” it means just that. God loves the entire world, the cosmos, and will redeem it all. Bell expands the Gospel story because “A gospel that leaves out its cosmic scope will always feel small.” – p. 135 (loc 1653).

Chapter 6 is Bell’s chapter on Christology. It’s here that Bell soars. He talks about people whose lives God has touched and redeemed in marvelous and mystical ways. Christ, Bell says, “is bigger than any one religion.” p. 150 (loc 1824). And, Christ is not God’s Plan B, but God’s always-present plan to demonstrate his love, and incarnate his presence among people.

In Chapter 7, Bell appeals to the reader to examine again the story of the prodigal son, the father, and the older brother. Bell ties together his thesis by discussing the three stories being told in this parable. First, the younger son, the prodigal, tells a story about himself. His story is one of failure, or desperation, but also of contrition. But even after his repentance, the younger son thinks himself unworthy to be called “son” anymore. The father’s story, however, says that the younger son has always been and will always be his son. The father has been waiting for this day, which is a day of celebration because his son has come home.

The older brother’s story is one of duty without love. He is just as alienated from the father as the younger son is, and Bell writes that our goodness and striving can also separate us from the father, just like our sin and failure can. But Bell believes it is the father’s story that is the true story. Both sons are loved, and both are received with affection. The younger son returns to the father’s house; but, for the older son, it was always his anyway. Neither son’s telling of their own stories is true, only the father’s story is the true story for all of them.

Chapter 7 is the chapter that ties Bell’s argument together, and makes a compelling case for choosing the story of love rather than estrangement.

Finally, in Chapter 8, Bell returns to his childhood. As if to say, “Although I am critiquing modern evangelicalism’s story, I am one of you,” Bell recounts the night he knelt by his bed, and with his parents on either side of him, he prayed to receive Jesus into his heart. Bell clearly has affection for his Christian evangelical upbringing, even while questioning its theological perspective. Bell is one of the millions who have been told a story that may be wearing thin, but whose life was changed by it nevertheless.

Conclusion

There is much in Bell’s book with which I agree. He approaches familiar scripture with fresh eyes and insights; he expands the gospel so that it is good news for all creation; he moves beyond the heaven-and-hell debate to engage the greater work of God’s redemptive love; and, he does all this with humility that is refreshing. This is not an apologetic for postmodernism or universalism, or a polemic against the establishment.

Rather, I believe Bell is inviting us all into a “divine” discussion about these issues. He’s inviting us to re-examine the “escape from earth” spirituality of another era, and to involve ourselves in following Christ in tangible expressions of God’s love now. Bell’s story is not a new story, but a new look at the Old Story. Jesus is central, God is love, the Spirit is moving, the Kingdom is coming, and we’re invited. There’s not much there to disagree with, in my opinion.

Disclaimer: I purchased the ebook version of Love Wins from Amazon. I did receive a review copy, but it arrived three days after I posted this review. I was not given any inducement to review this book either positively or negatively. The opinions expressed are mine, and mine alone. I have noted both page numbers and ebook location numbers in the citations above.

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12 thoughts on “Rob Bell’s New Story Challenges Evangelicalism’s Party Line”

“Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, ridiculed Bell’s book as Velvet Hell, a play on the title of another of Bell’s books, Velvet Jesus. John Piper, evangelical pastor and author, tweeted “Farewell, Rob Bell,” signifying that Bell has fallen out of favor with the silver-haired evangelical leadership. Popular blogger Tim Challies accuses Bell of “exegetical gymnastics” and “the toxic subversion of Jesus’ gospel.” Others have weighed in on blogposts, challenging Bell. One blogger posed the question, “John Piper Vs. Rob Bell — Which Gospel Are You Trusting?” Bell is not being well-received by the evangelical establishment.”

That’s good. It is about time that someone rocked their boat or, should I say, their cradle?

I hope to read Bell’s book. I believe many evangelical ‘leaders’ feel threatened that people WILL read the book in context . . . and that these leaders have tried to convince people not to read the book for themselves.

Are these evangelical leaders suffering from Pre-Pentecost Upper Room angst?

I’m afraid so. Their script of what is entailed in their ‘biblical gospel’ is being challenged, and they know it.

I am always amazed at those who will comment, or condemn, without having actually read the book they’re commenting on. The best thing anyone can do is read for themselves, and then decide who, if anyone, is being threatened. Thanks for your comments.

If you want to defend Bell, how about you defend his historiographic methodology or how he treats scripture?

I’ve read the book. Time after time after time he cites scripture in support of his argument when if he were to do more than prooftext the text would disprove his use of scripture. Equally bad he flatly refuses to deal with any scriptures that lean away from his main point.

Is that the kind of man we defend? What defense can there be for a man who lies about what the Bible says? What defense can there be for someone so dishonest?

Mason, I welcome your comments, but prefer that you address the issues. Obviously, Bell is not “lying” –he’s stating his position which might differ from yours or mine. Also, I’m not defending Rob Bell or anyone. I’m simply trying to give his book a fair reading and review. Others may disagree, and they are free to do so. Let’s hope we can discuss this an other issues with some charity.

There is a great deal about Rob that is appealing. Our fellowship has used his Nooma series to stir discussion, and are affectionately familiar with his gift of provocative questioning. Rob is clearly a brilliant and gifted man, deliberately engaging the questions that many of us ask in the quietness of our own minds and hearts. The questions surrounding his latest cut to the chase about what makes up the Gospel – yes, even what makes up the “Biblical gospel” (Is there any other kind?). What is the Faith delivered once for all to the saints? His are, as usual, excellent questions. That said, I’m amazed at the number of posts on different sites that are quick to throw out the informed opinions of learned, Godly, equally passionate believers, like Mohler and Piper, who write with pastoral concern. I myself am only more-than-less Reformed, but I certainly take seriously the concerns raised by men equal to Bell in brilliance, and deeply devoted to the care and feeding of the flock of God. There is much to be learned from Rob Bell, Albert Mohler, John Piper, and others. There is even more to be learned from the revelation of Scripture. Each of us would do well to adopt the stance of the Bereans (Acts 17:11), rather than choosing sides based on stylistic preferences or personal grievances. Sola Scriptura.

Wayne, thanks for your comments. You are right — different folks of equal stature (at least in their public personas) might differ on these and other issues. And I don’t believe a commitment to scripture is the problem or difference. I do believe that a difference in interpretation is at play here. Anyway, it makes for very interesting conversation. Thanks.

Chuck, thanks for maintaining this resourceful and engaging site. This man from Mars(hill) may be some distant relation to this new pastor, but deserves our prayers still as would any errant disciple of our Lord. It is a great comfort to dwell in that fellowship which acknowledges and receives the whole council of God as revealed through the canon of holy scripture as we know it. This covenant is the binding glue which goes quite beyond a party line simile and can mend all the minor denominational divides. Rebellion has ancient roots and subtle in this fallen world and the watchmen who warn the flock indeed perform their good office on our behalf. Thanks be to God and peace in Christ to all the faithful!

Thank you for an insightful,thought out review. I look forward to reading Bell’s book for myself. I wish more people were open to having these kinds of discussions without feeling threatened. I find it refreshing. Theology is important but so many pick and choose what they believe. I believe that God wrote His story in broad strokes,leaving the Holy Spirit to direct us as individuals in the part we play in the Body. He made us all different for a reason. There are absolutes but as long as we follow the rule of Love as God demonstrated we will fulfil His Will.

John Piper, evangelical pastor and author, tweeted “Farewell, Rob Bell,” signifying that Bell has fallen out of favor with the silver-haired evangelical leadership.

Falling out of favor with the silver haired evangelical leadership is not a bad thing.
To fall out of favor with the evangelicals who teach heresies like the trinity, dead people go straight to heaven and tongues are no longer desirable, this is a good thing, not a bad thing.